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14-Day Iran Tour

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS & ITINERARY

The 14-Day Iran Tour, The Northwest to the South, reveals and uncovers the fabulous insight into life in Tabriz, Shiraz, Yazd, Isfahan, and Tehran. During the journey, you will explore one of the most surprising and fascinating lands around the world. You will visit the ancient city of Pasargadae, Shiraz with its beautiful Persian gardens, the oasis city of Yazd with its unique architecture and Zoroastrian Community. Also, included in the trip is a full day excursion to Persepolis, one of the most important sites of the ancient world.

Tour Highlights

Experience Northern, Central & Southern Iran during this sweeping 14-day excursion to the country's top spots.

Have cozy accommodations in two amazing boutique hotels in Isfahan and Kashan.

» Watch a Zurkhaneh performance. Zurkhaneh is a form of traditional martial arts in Iran, where men practise callisthenics and other body-building exercises in a ring. In 2010 Pahlevani and Zoorkhaneh rituals inscribed on the representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Read More…

Travel Itinerary

After arriving at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, our representative will meet and greet you; then, you will be transferred to the hotel to rest.

O/N Tehran

DAY 2: TEHRAN – FLY TO TABRIZ 1H 10MIN

This morning, we will take you to a World Heritage Site, the lavish Golestan Palace. Built during the Qajar Dynasty, that rose to power in the late 1700s, this fabulous walled complex is centered on a landscaped garden with tranquil pools. Many of the elements you’ll admire today, date to the 19th century when local Qajari architects and artisans were looking to integrate traditional Persian style with elements of Western and Russian origin. The palace buildings are among the oldest in modern Tehran and they are still regarded as a crowning achievement of the Qajar era.

Then, we will walk around Tehran Bazaar, few steps far from Golestan Palace. Walking along the Bazaar route, we go to Timche Akbarian. Timche Akbarian dates back to Qajar era (almost 260 years old) when its main purpose was to exchange money. Later it was developed into the first bank of Iran and was ran mainly by Jews who were the prominent residents of Oudlajan neighborhood. As of today, there’s no bank or money exchange but the place has been delicately restored into a Dizi Sara and the tea house where tea comes in thin waist cups and along with sugar canes.

Dizi doubtlessly is one of the most delicious and traditional Iranian dishes. Eating it has a special custom. Dizi is a Mesopotamian stew usually made with lamb, chickpeas, white beans, onion, potatoes, tomatoes, turmeric and dried lime. Everything is mixed and cooked together.

In the afternoon, you will visit National Museum of Iran, where you can see fabulous historical items from 5000 BC to the advent of Islam in Iran which shows the brief history of our land.

This evening, we will take you to the airport to take a flight to Tabriz.

O/N Tabriz

DAY 3: TABRIZ

After breakfast, start your city tour in Tabriz.

The magnificent Kabud Mosque was completed in 1465, but skilled artisans spent another quarter-century painstakingly covering the entire mosque with intricately-painted, brilliantly blue tiles and calligraphy. Often referred to as the Blue Mosque, this magnificent landmark was extensively damaged by two 18th-century earthquakes. But as you stand before the north façade with much of its original tile work still intact, you’ll get a glimpse into the enduring artistic legacy of Iran’s ancient dynasties.

Next door, at the Azerbaijan Museum, you’ll peruse a vast collection of archaeological artifacts spanning millennia of human history and culture in the region.

You’ll also see the Arg-e Alishah, an imposing but unfinished 14th-century monument that later served as a military fortress during the Russo-Persian Wars of the 19th century.

Afterwards, you will visit the Grand Bazaar, the only bazaar on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. The present-day structure, a vast maze-like complex of bricked arches and vaulted passageways, still evokes the spirit of its earliest days when Tabriz was one of the most important commercial centres along the ancient Silk Road. It’s a wonderful place to chat with engaging merchants and browse for jewellery, carpets and spices. But with 4 miles of shops, you’ll also mingle with friendly residents who are here to shop for spices and other daily staples.

End your day by visiting Shah Golu (El-Golu), a large park with an artificial lake in the middle. It is a really good place for afternoon strolls.

O/N Tabriz

DAY 4: TABRIZ - KANDOVAN 1 H (54.5 KM)

Today, you’ll journey to Kandovan in the volcanic highlands of Mt. Sahand. For more than 700 years, the people of this remote and rugged region have inhabited cave dwellings inside the mountains and unusual stone formations. You’ll spend time engaging with community residents for a fascinating look into their life.

Some live in natural cave formations while others have excavated larger rooms, whitewashed and decorated with colorful carpets and textiles. Although traditions go back for generations, many families have modernized their homes with electricity and running water.

O/N Local house

DAY 5: TABRIZ - SHIRAZ (FLIGHT)

Today, we will fly to Shiraz and start our full day tour of Shiraz. At first, you will visit Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque) which is few steps far from Vakil Bazaar. It was built at Mirza Hassan Ali Nasir-al Mulk’s command (one of the lords of the Qajar Dynasty); it took 12 years to complete it in 1888. Its interior reveals a magnificent masterpiece of design with stunning colors. This is a space where light and worship intertwine. The mosque comes to life with the sunrise and the colors dance throughout the day like whirling Dervishes. It reflects on the ground, walls, the arches and the towering spires. It even reflects on the visitors as if a colorful ball is hit by the first sun ray and has exploded into thousands of butterflies all around.

Continue your exploration in Shiraz at the beautiful orange-scented Narenjestan Garden, laid out in the 19th century during the Qajar Dynasty.

Then, you will visit Karim Khan Citadel which was built during the Zand Dynasty.

You’ll have time to explore and shop in the bustling Vakil Bazaar, home to hundreds of stores, beautiful courtyards, and even an ancient caravanserai.

O/N Shiraz

DAY 6: SHIRAZ

After breakfast, we will continue our exploration of the city. Shiraz is famous for its gardens and we’ll visit Eram Garden with its aromatic myrtles, beautiful flowers, fruit trees, and towering cypresses (one of which is said to be 3,000 years old).

Then, we will visit theShrine ofAli Ebne Hamzeh. Built in the 19th century over the tomb of Emir Ali, a nephew of Shah Cheragh who also died in Shiraz while en route to Khorasan to help Imam Reza, this shrine is the latest of several earlier incarnations destroyed by earthquakes.

You will end your day on a tranquil note in the lovely garden-tomb of Sa’adi and garden-tomb of Hafez, two of our most outstanding poets to feel the taste of Persian Literature. Hafez is one of the great poets who has impressed everyone with his mastery. His poems give us a special feeling and the peace in his tomb is really outstanding. Sa’adi is a poet, philosopher and mystic who is known as the father of alternative tourism. About seven centuries ago, he travelled to different countries and cities. Then, he collected all his experiences in verses and rhymed prose in two books named Boustan and Golestan. These two books give you lots of inspiration and information. We will get a chance to pay homage to tombs of these great poets.

O/N Shiraz

DAY 7: SHIRAZ

You are free to spend the day at the city center, and the bazaar to shop.

O/N Shiraz

DAY 8: SHIRAZ - YAZD 5 h 19 min (449 km)

Today, we have a full day of driving to reach our destination of Yazd; it is a good idea to stock up on locally bought and easily found dates and pistachio nuts for the journey.

We will have some stop on our way to visit the Legendary City ofPersepolis, the former capital of Darius the Great which was founded in 512 BC. There was no more impressive construction in the ancient world than Persepolis, except perhaps the Karnak in Egypt. Darius built the terrace, Apadana (great audience hall), Tachana (a palace), and the Monumental Staircases; his son, Xerxes, added the Harem and the Hall of 100 Columns. Alexander the Great entered Persepolis in January 330 BC and then committed an uncharacteristic act of wanton destruction that still mystifies historians today, burning the mighty city to the ground. Though a shadow of its former self, the soaring pillars, terraces and sculptures of Persepolis still remain, but probably most impressive are the bas reliefs which line the site, telling the story of ancient governors and kings that came to Persepolis to pay tribute to the Persian Emperors.

From here, we will drive a couple of miles to Naqsh-e-Rustam, the Necropolis where Darius and his successors are buried. Carved into the side of a cliff, the site is extraordinary in its magnitude and sheer ambition and does not disappoint even after the impressive Persepolis.

Then, you will visit Pasargadae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, theTomb of Cyrus the Great and former capital of the Achaemenid Empire. We will spend some time exploring the site and though not as striking as Persepolis, there is a great viewpoint where we can look over the site and the surrounding area.

Continue to Yazd and check into the hotel.

O/N Yazd

DAY 9: YAZD

Yazd is one oldest continuously inhabited towns of Iran. Its silhouette punctuated by minarets and the ingeniously-designed wind towers that capture desert breezes to cool homes during the hot summer months. Yazd is also the center of Iran’s Zoroastrian community, which is where you’ll begin the day’s sightseeing.

At the Tower of Silence, you’ll learn about one of the traditions of this ancient pre-Islamic religion. Until the mid-1900s, the dead were transported to this tower where they were left to decompose and be devoured by birds. Zoroastrian tradition considers a deceased body to be “unclean” and this process of excarnation prevents contact with either fire or earth– both of which are considered to be sacred.

At the still-active Zoroastrian Fire Temple, you’ll see a flame that is said to have been burning for the past 1,500 years. It’s an important pilgrimage site for the faithful and here our expert guide will offer additional insight into one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions.

In Amir Chakhmaq Square, you’ll see a very impressive Hussainiya– a congregation hall for Shia commemoration ceremonies. With three tiers of recessed alcoves, all perfectly proportioned, its facade is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.

The next place to visit is the Friday Mosque, built in 1324, where you can gaze upon the tallest minarets in the country.

Among the many other historic sites to be seen in Yazd are beautiful old homes and the Dowlat Abad Garden. Standing by the garden’s long reflecting pool, you’ll be shaded by ancient cypress trees. Ahead of you is an 18th-century hexagonal pavilion with a beautiful stained glass window and a graceful wind tower– the tallest in Iran. All around are flowering fruit trees and other ornamental plants and trees.

O/N Yazd

DAY 10: YAZD – ISFAHAN 3 H 53 MIN (323 KM)

Your overland journey continues to the small town of Meybod, where your first impression might be its striking monochromatic architecture of desert brick. But set along an ancient trade route, Meybod also offers a number of fascinating sites to visit including its caravanserai. Built in typical Safavid style, this ancient desert inn features verandahs, shaded passageways, and nearly 100 rooms– some of which are now used as artisan workshops. At the local icehouse, you’ll learn about the thick-clay construction and subterranean chamber that allowed local residents to have ice and food storage before refrigeration– even during the intense desert heat of summer!

Moving towards Isfahan our next stop will be in the small town of Na’in, an ancient community with origins dating back to the 8th century. We will visit theJame mosque of Naien and then go to Isfahan.

Continue to Isfahan and check into the hotel.

O/N Isfahan

DAY 11: ISFAHAN

Isfahan has long been regarded as the focal point of any visit to Iran. ‘Isfahan is half the world' was the phrase used to describe the city in the 16th century when Shah Abbas moved the capital there. It is still possible to see the Shah's grand vision as we explore the city today.

We will mainly be focusing on Imam square, one of the largest squares in the world which provides a breathtaking vista. The best view is found from the Ali Qapu Palace, where we admire the fountains and beautiful mosques that make up the square. We will enter the two mosques, first of all Sheikh Lotfollah, also known as the Ladies Mosque as it was built for the Shah's harem, renowned for the brightly coloured domed ceiling, where the light creates the image of a peacock.

We will then head to Shah Mosque on the corner of the square, probably the best-known mosque in Iran as it is thought to be the masterpiece of Persian architecture.

Next up is Chehel Sotun. Set in a landscaped and forested park in front of a tranquil reflecting pool, this graceful pavilion was built by Shah Abbas II for entertainment and court receptions. Entering through a portico with twenty slender wooden columns, you’ll discover soaring halls embellished with frescoes, paintings and mosaics; the Hall of Mirrors is especially breathtaking!

This afternoon you have time to wander the rest of Isfahan, there is the main bazaar which is approximately 4km long, a great place for shopaholics and those enjoying bartering. The Iranians are much more relaxed than their Middle Eastern neighbors, so the markets are a peaceful experience, though there is always the chance to haggle for a bargain!

O/N Isfahan

Day 12: ISFAHAN

Your foray into Isfahan’s architectural treasures continues at the Harun-e Velayat Shrine. Built in 1512, the shrine’s dome offers a particularly fine example of Iranian tile work. Gazing up at the graceful 11th-century Ali Minaret, the oldest in Isfahan offers further insight into the skill of Iranian architects and builders.

In the city’s Armenian quarter, you’ll delve more deeply into the region’s complex history as you visit several churches including the 17th-century Vank Cathedral with its lavishly decorated interior and unique blend of Islamic and European architectural elements.

You will continue your exploration of the city by visiting some of the centuries-old, still elegant bridges that span Zayandeh River. The 14th-century Shahrestan Bridge, for example, evokes the greatest aqueducts of ancient Rome and is the oldest bridge in Iran. Other famous bridges on Zayandeh River are Sio-ce-pol and Khaju. There are sluice gates below the bridge to let the water runoff Zayandeh River in the spring, and there are beautiful stony archways above each gate. These archways provide a great acoustic place for every man who wants to sing. You can always find a man or a group of men singing under the bridge. The songs are usually about betrayal or unrequited love. You have the chance to chat with these men and listen to their songs.

O/N Isfahan

O/N Isfahan

DAY 13: ISFAHAN – KASHAN – TEHRAN 5 H 2 MIN (460 KM)

Leaving Isfahan behind, your first stop this morning will be in Abyaneh village. Abyaneh Village is known as the Red Village because of its red soil and houses. The houses of Abyaneh bear an ancient architectural style, featured by the use of clay as the construction material and latticed windows and wooden doors.

Then, we will visit Kashan, a town originally famous for its textiles and ceramic production, but now better known for Fin Garden and its extensive bazaar and hamams.

Fin Garden (A UNESCO World Heritage Site) is our first stop; a relaxing and visually impressive Persian garden with water channels all passing through a central pavilion. There is also the chance to buy some rose water, a local specialty, outside of the site.

Then, you will visit BoroujerdiTraditional House. It was built about 130 years ago in the reign of Qajar dynasty (1857) by Iranian famous architect Ustad Ali Maryam. The owner was Haj Seyed Hasan Natanzi, a well-known merchant who mostly dealt with people of Boroujerd city. That’s why the house is known as Boroujerd's House.

Afterwards, we will visit the bazaar area, a widespread complex filled with hamams and mosques; one hamam has been converted to a traditional teahouse where we will stop for those who need a break from shopping.

Then, we will drive to Tehran.

O/N Tehran

DAY 14: TEHRAN (DEPARTURE)

Our representative will transfer you to Imam Khomeini International Airport according to your flight time.

Price Information

Prices listed are on a per person basis, sharing accommodation (unless otherwise stated).Prices do not include international flights.

Most tours are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book as an individual, you will be roomed with someone of the same sex. However, on many tours we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room.

SPEAK TO OUR EXPERTS

ELHAM BABAEEelham@surfiran.com
+98 939 409 6186

SABER BAHRAMIsaber@surfiran.com
+98 912 633 3548

TAILOR-MADE TOUR

This tour is also available for booking privately for travel anytime through the year, and we can also customise the itinerary to fit your personal requirements. Please contact us for details and prices.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Arrival & departure transfers are included on this trip.

This trip starts at 9:00 in the morning on day 2.

On day 2 & 5, there are included domestic flights from Tehran to Tabriz & from Tabriz to Shiraz.

Please note that deposits for this trip are refundable and transferable (we only deduct the bank transfer fee) as per our terms and conditions.

A single supplement is available on this trip.

Accommodation

We use good quality hotels rated at the Iranian Local House and 3-star level on this tour. Local star ratings may vary slightly from international standards. Accommodation is based on double or twin en-suite rooms with air conditioning. All couples will have a private double room. Single travelers may choose to pay a single room supplement to guarantee themselves a single room throughout the tour. Alternatively, they may choose to share a twin room with another traveler of the same sex. If there are no other single travelers available to pair up with at the time of your booking, then we will add the single supplement to the tour price but will refund this or deduct it from your balance payment if we are able to pair you up later on.

Transport

We use a private AC van, middle bus or bus throughout this tour, subject to the final size of the group.

Transfers

The tour includes a 24-hour airport meet & assist service in Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport, your arrival and departure airport-hotel transfers and all other transfers.

Dates & Prices

We regularly run this small-group tour. All departures are guaranteed to run if a minimum of 2 travelers is reached. If we do not reach this minimum number, we will offer you to either pay a supplement to do the tour exactly as planned, to change your date, to take another tour, or we will provide you with a full refund. Departure dates and prices are listed on our website and in our brochure. Please check the website for the most up-to-date prices and special offers.

Booking & Payment

If you would like to book a place on this tour, please complete the online reservation form on our website. We will then contact you with more details about how to complete your booking. Payments may be made by making a bank transfer. Full details will be provided in your booking confirmation email. Please contact us if you would like any more information or have any questions before making a booking.

Passports and Visas

Passports should be valid for at least six months after your departure from the country. Please do not bring an almost full or almost expired passport. Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller. For more information about how to get an Iranian visa please visit this page.

Joining Info

These tour joining details are provided on a provisional basis and may change prior to this tour departing. Any changes to these details will be updated on this page.

CALL US

Prefer speaking to us over the phone? Our Specialists would love to help you out!

+98 (21) 8830 1845

Or simply drop us an email at contact@surfiran.com

Opening Hours:
8:30am – 5.00pm Sunday to Wednesday

Reviews

Just came back from Iran and I can say that I'm really enthusiast from people and visited places. A very big thank to SURFIRAN because of their help, organization and professional way to manage everything that we need. I do suggest to visit Iran and contact SURFIRAN. they can really help you and make your life easier!

Jacopo and RobertoVisited February 2017https://surfiran.com/testimonial/ – Read more

Everything was arranged very efficiently. Nothing went wrong. Our guide, Mostafa Farhadi, was remarkable. Not only was he a brilliant driver, but his knowledge of the culture, history and contemporary life of Iran was amazing. He also had superb contacts in all the places we visited.

StephenVisited November 2016https://surfiran.com/testimonial/ – Read more

We organized a 3 weeks tour in Iran through SURFIRAN. SURFIRAN is a very Professional travel agency who understands their customers needs and expectations. Our stay in Iran was just fabulous, the program built by SURFIRAN was great, we have seen many and many very interesting sites and locations.

Most we enjoyed the landscape and wildlife we saw, it was just amazing and not comparable with nature we found in Germany and Europe, one of my greatest experiences! Second we enjoyed the kindness of you guys (Mehdi, Negin and her family, and the two houses we stayed) it was like meeting family and friends :)

We visited Iran on October 2016 with SURFIRAN travel and tours company. Organization of round trip, hotel accommodation and flights were perfect. Our guide Mostafa was absolutely excellent, helpful, friendly and his information about Iran were very informative. Thanks a lot ! Will come back soon.

1 review for 14-Day Iran Tour – The Northwest to the South

Rated 5 out of 5

Kostas Besios –August 5, 2018

1. Our program was very good. 2. The fact that we used a 30seats buss, made our trip very comfortable. 3. The Iranian night in Yazd was very nice and also excellent was the small concert in Music Museum in Isfahan. We really enjoyed this concert with traditional Iranian Music. About all the other i sent already a mail to Dr. Eshraghi.

Two bad things 1. We waited for more than 40 min in front of a close house in Pasargad. Than we went in another town close there and we stayed in a home there. But seven of our ladies had the same bathroom, and there they find a German man, in my room i found the baggages of another person and the bathroom was dirty. However the food that a lady cooked for us was delicious. 2. In our hotel in Kerman, no one was speaking English or another language. We needed some information about a restaurant and it was so difficult.